Fresh concern has emerged over the health of veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye after the government and his political allies issued conflicting accounts of his condition while he remains admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi on Friday said he had visited the 70-year-old at the hospital and reported that he was recovering.
“I paid a visit to Dr. Kiiza Besigye today morning at Mulago Hospital, where he is hospitalised. He is steadily recuperating and I wished him quick recovery. I thank the team of medical workers that are attending to him,” Dr. Baryomunsi said in a statement shared on social media.
However, leaders of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the political party associated with Besigye, disputed the minister’s assessment, insisting the former four-time presidential candidate remains in critical condition.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters on Katonga Road, PFF leaders called for Besigye to be evacuated abroad for specialised medical treatment, saying his condition had not improved since he collapsed during court proceedings late last month.
The latest developments come days after Besigye collapsed in the High Court during the hearing of his treason case, prompting his transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital. The incident heightened public concern over his health and renewed debate over his continued detention.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has also previously raised concerns about his condition and called for him to receive specialised medical care, while government officials have maintained that he is receiving appropriate treatment.
The opposition leader has been on remand since late 2024 and is facing treason charges before the High Court after proceedings against civilians in military courts were halted following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
The differing accounts from government and opposition have intensified public interest in Besigye’s condition, with supporters continuing to call for improved medical access and his release, while authorities say he remains under the care of medical professionals at Mulago National Referral Hospital.